LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF WOODY VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON SEASONAL BODY CONDITION OF NORTHERN BOBWHITES

We investigated effects of season and brush management on body conditi on of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in the Cross Timbers ec osystem of central Oklahoma. Quail were collected seasonally and body condition assessed by necropsy and analysis of percent fat, protein, a nd ash in the carcass. Brush management by herbicide, herbicide + fire , and mechanical removal had minimal long-term effects on body conditi on. However, we found significant seasonal differences in weights of t he gizzard, gizzard fat, liver, and lipid reserves (body and gizzard f at). With respect to condition, we concluded that northern bobwhites d erived no long-term benefits from brush management programs in the Cro ss Timbers ecosystem of central Oklahoma.